Frequently Asked Questions

When to get help for a chronic wound

If you have a sore or wound that is not significantly better in a month, or healed entirely in two months, ask your doctor about Portneuf Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center. We’ll work with your doctor to create a treatment program designed specifically for you.

Can I self refer to the Wound Center?

Patients are permitted to self-refer to our Wound Care Center, which means you do not need a referral from your doctor in order to take advantage of our services. We do recommend, however, that you work with your primary care office to be sure you keep them aware of your health conditions.

On a regular basis, we will send progress notes to your primary care provider so that they are fully informed about your progress. When treatment is completed, your provider will be notified so that they can monitor your health progress over time.

How does it work?

Normally, the air we breathe is 21 percent oxygen. During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, you will breathe pure oxygen (100 Percent) and the pressure surrounding your body will be slowly increased to two or three times normal. The increased oxygen you breathe will also increase the oxygen your blood carries to body tissues. This abundance of oxygen in your tissues enhances the repair of tissue damage. It is a process that helps heal your wound from the inside out.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment?

Initially used to treat underwater divers with the bends, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been proven effective in treating many diseases. It does not replace other reliable treatments such as surgery and medication but is generally prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.

Are there any side effects or after effects?

The most common effect is a “fullness” or popping sensation in your ears which lasts only briefly. As with most medical treatments, there may also be other effects. Such other effects are rare, and a staff member will discuss them with you in detail before treatment.

When is it a good idea to consult Portneuf Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center?

When a wound hasn’t started to heal in 2 weeks or isn’t completely healed in 4 weeks.

A wound care specialist is trained to diagnose the wound and understand how the underlying causes are preventing healing, and then select a proven clinical pathway to accelerate the healing process and reduce overall healthcare costs. We see your urgent patients within 24 hours of your phone call Monday – Friday. We offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (please see attached page for common indications for HBO treatment) We are physician directed and we are affiliated with a national wound care organization and are able to compare our local healing rates to national outcomes.